YYou know who you are: coffee lovers with slogans like ‘Mondays are for happy juice’ and latte stickers printed on your T-shirts. Yes, I’m talking to you.
Coffee is our ride-or-die on both good and bad days, and it has certainly carved out a remarkable niche for itself in a country packed with chai enthusiasts. But how much of that caffeine buzz is actually good for you – and more importantly, for your skin?
The harsh truth is that your beloved brew may brighten you up, but dull your skin. Here’s how to enjoy your cup of tea without ruining your glow.
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Also read: Tea bags alone can’t stop puffy eyes after a party. You need a nighttime routine
Coffee and dehydration
So, you’ve had your first cup of the day. You’re feeling excited (or anxious, whichever helps you work faster) and you think it’s time for the next cup, because more happy java juice can only mean more productivity, right?
Wrong.
Coffee takes as much as it gives. Caffeine, a notorious diuretic, stimulates your kidneys to produce more urine, which means you need to go to the bathroom more often.
So your hydration levels drop and dehydrated skin, as we all know, is no one’s friend. Dry skin, dry patches and even lines start to become an unfriendly guest if your hydration isn’t up to par.
Before you come at me with pitchforks, I’m not suggesting you cut out caffeine completely. Personally, I always drink a glass of water for every cup of coffee, whether it’s summer or winter. Take the example of someone who has been in the skin care industry for over thirteen years: for every cup of coffee you drink, you drink a glass of water. Sure, this may mean a few extra bathroom breaks, but it’s much better than your skin going from dewy to dry and patchy.
Acidity is not your friend
The acidic nature of caffeine can cause your hormones to go crazy. This, in turn, can cause your skin’s oil glands to go into overdrive. So, the next time you drink your third espresso, channel your inner Amitabh Bachchan Deewar and write a reminder on your arm: “One more shot, and ‘oil’ won’t end well.”
Because the more caffeine you consume, the greater the risk that your skin will get an oily shine. And you know what comes next: acne and a complexion that constantly fluctuates between oily and dry.
Dump that latte
Listen up, bosses (yes, I know, shrink) – do yourself a favor and throw that caramel-whipped-cream-vanilla-affogato-mochaccino in the trash where it belongs. It could be the main culprit behind your acne problems.
Don’t get me wrong: I am a big fan of coffee, in all forms. Whether it’s Sumatran, Arabica or Robusta, I can talk to you about it until tomorrow’s roast. But as a dermatologist, I must warn that dairy milk is a major contributor to the hormonal changes that can cause those hellish acne.
So a latte or one part with flawless skin?
You decide.
You know what else is a sneaky culprit? Sugar. It causes a very nasty reaction called glycation, which weakens your skin’s collagen – your skin’s version of Joey Tribbiani. Collagen protects your skin. Collagen is your friend.
So my advice? Ditch all the atrocities of milk-sugar-coffee-whipped cream for skin free of wrinkles and lines!
An enemy of beauty sleep
Yes, coffee is your friend when you want to spend the night. Reports, binge watching, study sessions: coffee is your reliable partner in all of this.
But what happens if you have too much of it after work?
A gigantic mess of your sleeping pattern, that’s what it is. Seriously, there are few things more damaging to your skin than lack of sleep. Lack of sleep causes premature aging, that unwanted puff look I was talking about in my last pieceand dark circles.
Think of it this way: your skin is simply an organ that needs some rest to recover from the day’s activities and stressors. This is where sleep comes into the picture. And if you don’t sleep well or not enough, your beautiful skin is the biggest victim.
So if you don’t want to look like Sleepy from Snow White, switch to something caffeine-free as your drink of choice after midday. Maybe some herbal tea?
Your skin will thank you, I can guarantee that.
Coffee, stress and pimples
Caffeine is a great start to the day. It’s also a great jumpstart for your stress levels. It triggers your stress responses, causing cortisol to rise – the hormone we love, hate and sometimes love to hate.
Elevated cortisol levels can increase your skin’s oil production, making your face resemble the “before” photo of a face cream advertisement.
Moral of the story: coffee may not directly cause acne, but it can make your skin oilier, which increases the risk of acne. If you are generally sensitive to stressors and have breakout-prone skin, do your skin (and yourself) a favor and limit your coffee intake.
Also read: Zinc and magnesium are your skin’s best friends. They reduce pimples and inflammation
Don’t give up – moderate
As with everything else in life, moderation is key when it comes to coffee. Drink a glass of water for every cup of coffee you inhale and opt for dairy-free, sugar-free caffeine options (remember: no pitchforks, please). Then you may leave your skin and your subsequent mental abilities a lot healthier in the long run.
So let me leave it at this: pay attention to your skin. Notice what causes Atacama-level acne, oily shine, and dry patches. And maybe experiment more with decaffeinated drinks.
Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained beautician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Opinions are personal.
(Edited by Asavari Singh)
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